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Intotri to expand across UK

With 401 locations nationwide, Parkrun has become a household name and one of grassroots sports’ success stories. Now tri could have its very own free companion to the 5km phenomenon with Intotri

Intotri began life in 2015 and has since hosted six free events over junior, super sprint and sprint distances at the Elmbridge Xcel Centre in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, attracting nearly 400 athletes to date. Like Parkrun, the volunteer-run scheme sees participants create an online account before they can sign up for monthly Short (200m swim/10km bike/2.5km run), Long (400m/20km/5km) and Junior events in the summer. Intotri also provide free aquathlon events, and swim and run technique classes in the winter.

“The idea is to grow Intotri into the Parkrun of the tri world, providing communities all over the UK with opportunities to tri for free,” the co-founder Michael Burkert told 220. “So any bike will do, we use pools instead of OW swims, and participants can use the changing rooms instead of the transition zone.”

Burkert is also upbeat about any expansion. “We’ve found local authorities generally supportive. We’re in advanced discussions with several leisure centre providers, and have secured the necessary risk sign-offs from local councils. The key is to find tri enthusiasts to run the events for us.” Head to www.intotri.com for more.